14/09/2026
September 14th will always belong to our Captain David Salazar.
If you were lucky enough to share a boat, a cigar, or a story with David, you knew you were in the presence of someone truly special. He set the standard for excellence at Casa Vieja Lodge, but more than that, he built a family here.
To honor him today, we’re unveiling a special birthday gift in his memory: lucky number 11 to join the Casa Vieja fleet, the 43’ 1978 Merritt currently known as La Hechicera! This special boat shares the same legendary specs as La Chingona—and will be the “His” Boat to our Jefa Kristen’s “Hers” Boat, La Chignona.
Capt. Jono and Ludwing from The Ho**er made the journey across the water to run her all the way back from Curaçao, and she’s safely in our boatyard now. She’ll be undergoing our signature CVL overhaul to prepare her for the fleet, so stay tuned for what’s to come.
David’s presence is felt every single day out on the water with us, and while he may no longer be captaining at the helm, this newest addition to our family will be an official tribute of him on the dock with us always. Today, on his 56th birthday, we honor his memory by doing what he loved most: celebrating life, respecting the ocean, and keeping the passion for billfishing alive.
Happy Birthday, David. You are deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten. 🫶🏽🎈
